Helpful hints | The basics Test Drive TDU Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

I've already said that "Test Drive Unlimited" isn't a hard game, however if you think that you're more experienced with titles from this particular game genre, you might want to consider making your life a little bit harder. One of the most important things is the presence of various driving aids. You will be able to use them during races and standard island exploration. Furthermore, one of these driving aids should already be activated, however I'd strongly recommend that you try all available options. As a result, you will have to open a special menu. Don't exit the game. Instead, press a correct key function, similar to the one that activated the radio. You will have to open the Driving Aids menu. My recommendations are Driving Aid or Sport. Make sure that you have tested these settings, so you'll know what's best suited for your driving style. Cutting through corners and drifting seems like a good idea here, especially if you want to test a car at the same time. If you feel it's too easy, you might want to consider turning off all driving aids, however doing this without having a proper steering wheel wouldn't be a wise step. It's mostly because playing on a gamepad is very similar to the PC keyboard (in this particular case). Even more, you shouldn't have any problems winning all singleplayer races, without having to buy a steering wheel. This, however, means that you would have to activate one of the driving aids. You should also know that advancing to the Champion level will allow you to unlock Hardcore Mode. This mode can only be activated from the main menu. You won't be able to do this during the game. Hardcore Mode offers a much more challenging gameplay. You will have to brake before each corner and drifting will be almost impossible to succeed without the steering wheel. Additionally, you will have an opportunity to display a new menu. Press CTRL+G if you want to find out more about it. This menu will allow you to witness other parameters of your current vehicle (suspension G-forces...).

Like I've said before, you will have to master the art of going through corners. This is essential if you want to win most of the singleplayer races. Thankfully, if you have played some other racing games in the past, you shouldn't have any problems understanding the basics. Make sure that you maintain a correct line, so you won't end up outside the track. You will also have to use the handbrake quite frequently, especially if you come across very difficult hairpins. As for the rest of the corners, you will have to choose between using your standard brakes and slowing down a little. You will also have to watch out for unexpected hills. I'd strongly recommend that you slow down before each jump, mostly because you won't be able to control your vehicle while it's still in the air.

Avoiding the traffic is equally important. You will have to spend a lot of time practicing these manoeuvres, especially at higher speeds. Hitting other cars will slow you down, however this is not the only disadvantage. Each time you take part in a car accident, you will receive a warning from the police force. If you continue hitting other cars, a police pursuit will begin. I wouldn't recommend letting it happen, because losing squad cars can be very difficult. You will also have to remember to stay on the correct lane as long as possible. It's sometimes better to slow down rather than risk hitting other vehicles.

The last thing I wanted to tell you about are the tuning workshops. It's VERY important that you try to tune all of your vehicles. Sadly, it won't be available for some of the models, especially prototypes and concept cars. Tuning process is very simple. Make sure that you've purchased the most expensive, level 3 package. As a result, you will make your car go faster and it will probably behave better while cutting through corners or braking. You will have to remember that tuning your vehicle may result in moving it to a higher vehicle class. I'd strongly recommend that you prevent this from happening. It's mainly because your vehicle would become one of the slower cars of the higher group. As a result, you would spend your money for nothing. In these types of situations, it would be better to buy a lower level package, rather than risk upgrading the car to a higher class. Make sure that you have checked the final chapter of this game guide for more information on this subject.